Last updated on May 26th, 2025
The numbers that have only two factors, which are 1 and itself, are called prime numbers. For encryption, computer algorithms, barcode generation, prime numbers are used. In this topic, we will be discussing whether 858 is a prime number or not.
There are two types of numbers, mostly — Prime numbers and composite numbers, depending on the number of factors. A prime number is a natural number that is divisible only by 1 and itself. For example, 3 is a prime number because it is divisible by 1 and itself. A composite number is a positive number that is divisible by more than two numbers. For example, 6 is divisible by 1, 2, 3, and 6, making it a composite number. Prime numbers follow a few properties like: Prime numbers are positive numbers always greater than 1. 2 is the only even prime number. They have only two factors: 1 and the number itself. Any two distinct prime numbers are co-prime numbers because they have only one common factor, which is 1. As 858 has more than two factors, it is not a prime number.
The characteristic of a prime number is that it has only two divisors: 1 and itself. Since 858 has more than two factors, it is not a prime number. Few methods are used to distinguish between prime and composite numbers. A few methods are: Counting Divisors Method Divisibility Test Prime Number Chart Prime Factorization
The method in which we count the number of divisors to categorize the numbers as prime or composite is called the counting divisors method. Based on the count of the divisors, we categorize prime and composite numbers. If there is a total count of only 2 divisors, then the number would be prime. If the count is more than 2, then the number is composite. Let’s check whether 858 is prime or composite. Step 1: All numbers are divisible by 1 and itself. Step 2: Divide 858 by 2. It is divisible by 2, so 2 is a factor of 858. Step 3: Divide 858 by 3. It is divisible by 3, so 3 is a factor of 858. Step 4: You can simplify checking divisors up to 858 by finding the root value. We then need to only check divisors up to the root value. Step 5: When we divide 858 by 2, 3, 11, and other numbers, it is divisible by several numbers. Since 858 has more than 2 divisors, it is a composite number.
We use a set of rules to check whether a number is divisible by another number completely or not. It is called the Divisibility Test Method. Divisibility by 2: The number in the ones' place value is 8. Since 8 is an even number, 858 is divisible by 2. Divisibility by 3: The sum of the digits in the number 858 is 21. Since 21 is divisible by 3, 858 is also divisible by 3. Divisibility by 5: The unit’s place digit is 8. Therefore, 858 is not divisible by 5. Divisibility by 7: The last digit in 858 is 8. To check divisibility by 7, double the last digit (8 × 2 = 16). Then, subtract it from the rest of the number (85 - 16 = 69). Since 69 is divisible by 7, 858 is also divisible by 7. Divisibility by 11: In 858, the alternating sum of the digits is (8 - 5 + 8) = 11. Since 11 is divisible by 11, 858 is divisible by 11. Since 858 is divisible by several numbers, it has more than two factors. Therefore, it is a composite number.
The prime number chart is a tool created by using a method called “The Sieve of Eratosthenes.” In this method, we follow the following steps. Step 1: Write 1 to 1000 in rows and columns. Step 2: Leave 1 without coloring or crossing, as it is neither prime nor composite. Step 3: Mark 2 because it is a prime number and cross out all the multiples of 2. Step 4: Mark 3 because it is a prime number and cross out all the multiples of 3. Step 5: Repeat this process until you reach the table consisting of marked and crossed boxes, except 1. Through this process, we will have a list of prime numbers from 1 to 1000. The list includes numbers such as 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, etc. 858 is not present in the list of prime numbers, so it is a composite number.
Prime factorization is a process of breaking down a number into prime factors. Then multiply those factors to obtain the original number. Step 1: We can write 858 as 2 × 429. Step 2: In 2 × 429, 429 is a composite number. Further, break 429 into 3 × 143. Step 3: Now, 143 is a composite number. Further, break 143 into 11 × 13. Step 4: Now we get the product consisting of only prime numbers. Hence, the prime factorization of 858 is 2 × 3 × 11 × 13.
Children might have some misconceptions about prime numbers when they are learning about them. Here are some mistakes that might be made by children.
Composite numbers: Natural numbers greater than 1 that are divisible by more than 2 numbers are called composite numbers. For example, 12 is a composite number because 12 is divisible by 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. Prime numbers: Natural numbers greater than 1 that are divisible only by 1 and themselves. For example, 7 is a prime number because it is divisible by only 1 and 7. Divisibility rules: A set of shortcuts to determine whether one number is divisible by another. For example, if the sum of a number's digits is divisible by 3, then the number itself is divisible by 3. Prime factorization: Breaking down a composite number into the product of its prime factors. For example, the prime factorization of 18 is 2 × 3 × 3. Co-prime numbers: Two numbers are co-prime if they have no common factors other than 1. For example, 8 and 15 are co-prime.
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.